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Product Reviews>Smart Security Cameras
Google Nest Camera Review (Indoor/ Outdoor, Battery) 2024
By Rashko Arnaudov/ Last Updated April 6, 2024
The latest addition to security cameras is Google’s Nest Camera. The camera is weatherproof outdoors and indoors, powered by a built-in rechargeable battery or USB cable and AC adapter.
The Nest Cam’s 1080p recording resolution and motion detection caused by people or animals make it so good. Still, unfortunately, you need a Nest Aware subscription starting at $8 per month to see the recorded video captured more than 3 hours ago.
At a significantly lower subscription price with 2K videos and more features, our winner is Arlo Pro 4.
Pros
- Three hours of complimentary cloud video storage are included.
- All cameras offer a 130-degree field of view.
- Facial recognition is available with premium subscription plans.
Cons
- There are no choices for storing video locally.
- There are no options for professional video monitoring.
- The cameras have a weatherproof rating of up to IP54.
Google Nest Camera Specs
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Field of vision |
130+ degrees
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Infrared night vision | |
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Local storage | |
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Two-way audio | |
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Facial recognition |
Available with Nest Aware
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Night Vision
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Resolution |
1080p
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What's in the Google Nest Camera Box
The Nest Cam package includes the camera, a magnetic plate, a wall plate with installation screws and anchors, as well as a charging cable. The only additional tools required for installation, whether inside or outside, are a drill and a screwdriver.
Installing the Nest Cam
Nest Cam is very easy to install. The hardest part of the installation process is choosing where to position the cameras themselves. In the box, you’ll get almost everything you need to install the camera, including perfectly sized screws and wall anchors if you’re placing it in a brick or stone. The first step you need to take is to install the Google Home App and create an account and a home. tap the plus icon in the top left corner, select device setting, and select your own home. Then it says “Cameras” then you’ll be asked what you’re getting and you should select Nest Cam (battery).
(Credit: SafeWise)
The first step you need to take is to install the Google Home App and create an account and a home. tap the plus icon in the top left corner, select device setting, and select your own home. Then it says “Cameras” then you’ll be asked what you’re getting and you should select Nest Cam (battery). Take your phone to scan the QR code positioned on the cover of the camera itself, then select Nest Cam (battery) again.
After going through a few privacy agreements, remove the QR sticker from the camera cover but keep it and turn on the camera itself. You then need to select the location of your camera and it will automatically be connected to any WiFi network your phone is connected to. There comes a point where you’ll need to name your camera and mount it.
Installation is quite easy expressed in just a few steps. Personally, the installation itself took me about 5-6 minutes, but what does that amount to? You need to drill holes in the wall where you want to position the camera. Then you need to attach the magnetic plate with the screws provided in the box and finally click the camera with the magnetic plate and that’s the whole process. Holds firmly and allows adjustments that a normal attachment would not allow.
Design
The best way to determine the durability of a camera is by looking at its IP rating. The IP standard measures degrees of protection against solid particles and liquids.
One thing I noticed about the latest Nest Cam (battery) is that the company says it can be used indoors and outdoors, but the camera’s IP rating is only IP54. An IP54 rating means that the device is not dustproof and splashproof, but is not completely waterproof.
Tip: If you are going to use the Nest Cam (battery) outdoors, I recommend placing it under cover, such as on a patio or under eaves. It might be able to withstand a drizzle, but heavy rain can ruin the camera’s electronics.
It is only available in one color – snow and you can mount it either magnetically or with the included wall plate, screws, and dowels. it’s battery-powered, but if you’d like you can buy a $35 weatherproof power cord, of course, if you prefer a wired installation. The camera itself is magnetic with a width size of 3.27 inches and weighs 14oz. The design is simple and elegant, creating a sense of massiveness.
(Credit: SafeWise)
Battery Life
Battery life is a big question with smart home devices like cameras. For this type of camera, Google has announced that the life of the Nest Cam depends on many factors such as activity, temperature, and camera setting. Google has estimated that the battery will last between 1.5 to 7 months depending on these factors, which I will introduce in a moment, but before that, I want to share my impression of the battery.
When I installed the battery itself I let it fully charge to 100%. Then I let it run on default battery mode and after exactly 48 hours, the battery had dropped to 95%. Roughly calculated, this is about 4 months of battery life in the same mode. In the Google Home App, there are options to adjust the frequency of recorder events, video quality, and length of clips, all factors that affect battery life. There are 3 battery modes you could choose:
- Busy: About 1.5 months battery life (about 20-25 recorded events per day)
- Typical: About 3 months battery life (about 9-12 recorded events per day)
- Quiet: About 7 months battery life (about 2-4 recorded events per day)
About 1.5 months battery life (about 20-25 recorded events per day)
About 3 months battery life (about 9-12 recorded events per day)
About 7 months battery life (about 2-4 recorded events per day)
Price
The Price of the camera itself is $190, but there are other items you can buy for your camera such as an anti-theft holder and a solar panel, bringing the price up to $270.
At this price, the Nest Cam is in the premium price range for wireless cameras, but if you want full coverage, the cost doesn’t stop at the device itself.
As I mentioned a while ago, the Nest Cam comes with 3 hours of event history for free, but if you want 24/7 hours of recordings or up to 60 days of storage you need to purchase a monthly subscription to Nest Aware.
Tip: You have a 15-trial period in the Nest Aware App, during which you can find out how it works and whether you are satisfied with the benefits it provides, and only then can you purchase the subscription plan!
Privacy and security
If you have security on your mind, Google is prepared to highlight its latest commitment. The video recordings from the new Nest Cam are encrypted both during transmission and while stored on Nest servers. According to Google’s experts, these represent the most susceptible stages in the data’s journey.
The device handles all the processing for animal, person, and vehicle detections, as well as Familiar Faces recognition, right on the local hardware, courtesy of the Nest Cam’s dedicated machine learning chip. Unlike some other systems, there’s no reliance on cloud processing for this. While it’s worth noting that Nest Cam’s encryption may not be the most robust available, it stands out in contrast to Ring’s approach, which offers end-to-end encryption, but only on wired devices and when specifically chosen by the user.
Another thing about the security of your Nest Camera that caught my eye was the Google Store Page. If someone removes and steals your camera, Google will replace it for free. But what’s the catch? You will need to file a police report and provide a copy to Google within one month of the theft itself. You can read more about camera replacement due to theft on Google’s support page.
Tip: While Google offers a free camera replacement, you’ll have to deal with lots and lots of paperwork and the police. Therefore, I recommend that you position your cameras at a sufficient height so that potential thieves can’t reach them!
Infrared Night Vision
I spent a lot of time testing the camera’s night vision and was extremely impressed with the quality of the black-and-white footage captured by the camera’s six high-powered infrared ice sensors.
(Credit: PCmag)
Artificial Intelligence
The camera’s ability to record on demand to conserve its battery is a great feature of the Nest Cam. Facial recognition is another great option that Google provides, but it requires a subscription to Nest Aware, allowing the camera to learn and remember people’s facial features. In case the camera detects a person, the Nest Aware app will immediately ask you if you know them. Then if you say you know the person in question you will need to enter their name (usually this will be your family members).
Conclusion
If you’re in the process of setting up your home security, the Google Nest Cam presents a compelling option. It’s a straightforward device that’s a breeze to install, and it allows me to monitor my surroundings from anywhere around the world. While it falls on the higher end of the price range, the enhanced frame rate and built-in history storage mean I won’t have to shell out extra if I spend most of my time at home.
However, if I’m a frequent traveler seeking peace of mind during my absences, it’s important to note that the camera’s upfront cost isn’t the sole expense to consider.
While the Nest Cam serves as an excellent starting point for home security, I would recommend patience for those already invested in the Nest ecosystem, as Google works out some of the kinks.
How We Tested?
We spend a lot of time testing various smart innovative technologies these days that make our daily lives easier. We conduct extensive research on the manufacturers of the various products to ensure they meet our standards.
Once we are confident in the capabilities of a product, we fit it into our home to see what it’s like to live with it every day. The reason for this is to see to what extent the product integration process is facilitated and wheather the features the product boasts are real.
From there on, we evaluate how the products perform by subjecting them to different conditions. It’s the process of rigorously testing every single feature to make sure the product adds a specific benefic to the smart home. Once we know what it’s like to live with the product, only then do we offer our recommendation.
Are Nest cameras WIFI?
Yes, Nest cameras are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing them to connect to your home network and provide remote access and control through the Nest app or other compatible devices.
This wireless capability makes it convenient to place and monitor the cameras throughout your home without the need for extensive cabling.
What does a Google Nest camera do?
A Google Nest camera is a security camera that serves multiple functions. It can:
Monitor Your Home: Nest cameras are designed to keep an eye on your home, providing video footage of the areas they cover.
Detect Motion and Sound: They have motion and sound detection capabilities, alerting you to any unusual activity.
Remote Viewing: You can access the camera’s live feed and recorded video remotely through a mobile app or web browser.
Two-Way Communication: Many Nest cameras come with built-in microphones and speakers, allowing you to communicate with people or pets at home.
Cloud Storage: Nest cameras often offer cloud storage for recorded footage, enabling you to review events even if you miss notifications.
Integration with Smart Home Ecosystems: Nest cameras can be integrated with other Google Nest and smart home devices for enhanced automation and control.
Familiar Face Recognition: Some models offer facial recognition, which can identify and notify you when familiar faces are detected.
In summary, a Google Nest camera functions as a versatile home security and monitoring tool that provides peace of mind and remote access to your home’s surveillance.
What does a Google Nest camera do?
Yes, Nest cameras are designed to work in various weather conditions, including winter. They typically have weatherproof ratings that indicate their ability to withstand cold temperatures, moisture, and other outdoor elements.
However, it’s essential to check the specific model’s specifications and recommendations to ensure proper functioning and durability during winter months. Additionally, extreme cold or severe weather conditions may affect battery life and performance, so it’s important to take those factors into account.
At what temperature do cameras stop working?
The temperature at which cameras stop working can vary depending on the specific make and model. In general, most modern cameras are designed to operate within a temperature range of approximately -10°C to 40°C (14°F to 104°F).
Beyond these temperature limits, cameras may experience reduced performance or cease functioning altogether. Extremely low temperatures can affect battery life, lens functionality, and the overall operation of the camera.
High temperatures can lead to overheating and potential damage. It’s essential to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines for your specific camera to understand its operational limits and take appropriate precautions in extreme temperature conditions.
Is the Nest Cam Rainproof?
Nest Cam outdoor models, typically rated as IP54, are designed to be partially protected against dust and water. While they offer a degree of protection against rain and moisture, they may not be fully waterproof.
It’s important to note that an IP54 rating means the camera can withstand splashing water and small amounts of dust but may not be completely sealed against heavy rain or immersion in water.
It’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific Nest Cam model and take appropriate precautions to ensure it remains operational in different weather conditions.
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